MileHacker Logo
Medan Travel Tips

Medan Travel Tips

North Sumatra Indonesia Travel Guide

Local SIM Cards

Telkomsel offers broad coverage. XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo are other trusted providers.

Acquisition & Use

  • Purchase at Kualanamu Airport or official stores.
  • SIM card registration with passport is mandatory.
  • Affordable with various data packages. Explore Airalo eSIMs for digital convenience.

Internet Access

Wi-Internet access is widespread and generally dependable in hotels, cafes, and malls.

Mobile Data Coverage

  • Free Wi-Internet access in lots of places.
  • Good mobile data coverage in Medan and major towns.
  • Spotty coverage in highly remote or mountainous areas. Consider a portable device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Language and Translation

Bahasa is the official language. English proficiency varies.

Helpful Resources

  • Basic Indonesian phrases assist daily interactions.
  • Download Google Translate's offline pack. Learn more with Rosetta Stone.
  • A physical phrasebook proves valuable.

Important Phrases

Basic Indonesian phrases for common situations.

With Pronunciation

  • Hello: Halo
  • Thank you: Terima kasih (tre-mah ka-sih)
  • How much?: Berapa harganya? (be-ra-pah har-ga-nya)

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Flight Compensation

Business Hours and Schedules

Awareness of standard operating hours and effect of holidayss assists with trip planning.

Banks

Generally open from Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM or 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM or 04:00 PM. Some may open on Saturdays for minimal hours.

Shopping & Stores

Shopping Malls: Typically open daily from 10:THE HOURS of 12 am to 10:00 PM. Supermarkets often 07:00 AM-10:00 PM. Convenience stores frequently ALL day and night.

Restaurants & Markets

Restaurants: Generally open 09:00 AM/10:BETWEEN MIDNIGHT and 10 am:00 PM/11:00 PM. Street food stalls often operate much later. Traditional markets start early.

Religious & Public Holidays

Indonesia observes numerous public holidays. These could influence business operations and transportation.

Dates & Impact

  • Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) marks the end of Ramadan.
  • Many businesses close during Eid-Fitr.
  • Transportation networks are heavily impacted by traveling with family.

Holiday Travel Advice

Plan well in advance if you travel during major holidays.

Important Notes

  • Transportation can be crowded and more expensive.
  • Some shops and eateries might close.
  • Prices for accommodation may increase.

Etiquette Essentials

Greeting Customs

  • A light handshake is common.
  • Men typically shake hands with men, women with women.
  • For the opposite sex, a polite nod and smile are often preferred.

Appropriate Attire

  • Conservative attire is appreciated, especially outside modern venues.
  • Shoulders and knees must be covered at religious sites.
  • Women bring a scarf for mosques.

Cash Guidance

Carry small denominations of cash. Many local businesses prefer cash and may not have change for large bills.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Dining & Tipping

It's not customary to leave a gratuity in local eateries or warungs. Upscale restaurants may include a service charge.

Practices

  • Always use your right hand for eating or receiving items.
  • The left hand is generally considered unclean.
  • A small tip is welcome for good service in hotels or for guides/drivers.

Photography & Taboos

General photography is fine, some topics are sensitive.

Guidance

  • Ask permission before photographing individuals, for kids especially.
  • Avoid touching someone'the head of; do not point with feet.
  • Keep public displays of affection to a minimum.

Religious Site Etiquette

Enter holy places with reverence.

Guidelines

  • Remove shoes before entering mosques and temples.
  • Women cover heads, shoulders, and knees in mosques.
  • Maintain quiet during prayer or services.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Insights

Indonesian society is generally conservative.

Considerations

  • Modesty in dress and behavior is suggested for female travelers.
  • Public displays of affection for LGBTQ+ individuals may not be widely accepted.
  • Exercise discretion.

Important Topics to Navigate

Sensitive Discussions

  • Be mindful and respectful when discussing sensitive political topics.
  • Approach religious subjects with care.
  • Do not point with your feet or show soles of feet.

Photography Restrictions

  • Be discreet in religious sites.
  • Avoid using flash unless permitted.
  • Some attractions have specific photography rules.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure Challenges

  • Medan's infrastructure has challenges for mobility needs.
  • Sidewalks are often uneven, crowded, or non-existent.
  • Ramps and elevators are rare outside new plazas and luxury hotels.

Accessible Transportation

  • Public transport (angkots, becaks) are not accessible.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Grab/Gojek) vehicles are not specifically adapted.
  • Hiring hiring a car and driver is the most flexible option.

Sustainable Choices

Carry a reusable water bottle. Fill it with filtered or purchased water to lessen plastic waste, a significant environmental issue in The nation of indonesia.

← Previous
Day Trips from Medan
← Back to North Sumatra
Next →
Sustainable Travel in Medan

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Medan. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation

Continue to Sustainable Travel in Medan